Predictive analytics is the branch of data mining concerned with the prediction of future probabilities and trends. The central element of predictive analytics is the predictor, a variable that can be measured for an individual or other entity to predict future behavior.

Predictive analytics is often defined as predicting at a more detailed level of granularity, i.e., generating predictive scores (probabilities) for each individual organizational element. This distinguishes it from forecasting. For example, "Predictive analytics—Technology that learns from experience(data) to predict the future behavior of individuals in order to drive better decisions".

p.260 Prediction with influence=============================Eric Siegel. 2016. Predictive Analytics: The Power to Predict Who will Click, Buy, Lie or Die. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.